The president insists the nation can balance religious liberty with women’s health needs.

“If a woman’s employer is a charity or a hospital that has a religious objection to providing contraceptive services as part of their health plan, the insurance — not the hospital, not the charity — will be required to reach out and offer the woman contraceptive services free of charge without copays and without hassles,” Obama said.

But Bishop Zubik says those employees still cannot be provided contraceptives without violating Catholic religious views.

“We couldn’t do that. We could not provide that insurance because it goes against what we believe to be true,” Zubik said.

Even if they don’t pay for it, Catholic bishops say they don’t want health insurance covering contraceptives, but women’s health groups say that is an essential part of women’s health services.

“The employee should have the right to access the health care they think they need,” said Rick Baird, president & CEO of Adagio Health Services, a women’s health provider. “To me, family planning is a public health issue. It’s not a morality issue, and it should not be directed by a theological institution.”

But Zubik insists that by mandating all insurance plans include free contraceptives, which the Affordable Care Act does beginning August 1st, insurance covering Catholic institutions violate Catholic beliefs.

“My concern is that somehow when you take a look at health services the impression that is being given is that pregnancy is a disease and that life is something that can be easily done away with,” said Zubik.

Zubik wants the mandate for contraceptives repealed, while Obama insists all women should be treated equally.

“Under the rule, women will still have access to free preventive care that includes contraceptive services no matter where they work,” Obama said.

Following his announcement, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called the compromise a step in the right direction, but reserved further judgment.